Can my dog be trained not to chase cats?

Canines and cats could be identified to be better of pals – or worst of foes! For canine who haven’t been launched to cats earlier than, the urge to provide chase can happen. When a cat is being chased, it creates a tense and doubtlessly harmful setting for the cat and pushes them into survival mode. It might probably additionally trigger accidents for a canine, akin to operating into site visitors or coming into one other hazardous state of affairs.  

There are steps you’ll be able to take to work along with your canine to extend their familiarity with cats, in addition to develop their recall and cue coaching. This can encourage them to concentrate to you throughout an thrilling state of affairs, and assist you practice them to not chase cats. 

Good behaviour begins at dwelling 

Earlier than you introduce your canine to a brand new family member of the family, akin to a cat, remember to maintain them protected and separate for the primary few weeks. After that, permitting them to scent one another via a fenced house, like a child gate, is greatest. You may as well permit your canine to scent cat-related objects previous to the introduction, akin to cat toys or bedding. This can assist your canine get familiarized with the cat’s scent. Preserving your canine on a leash might also be a good suggestion, in case they get overwhelmed with pleasure on the presence of the new cat. 

Be sure you give your cat an area inside your own home that’s off-limits to your canine. This ought to be completed till they’re acclimated to one another. Be sure to by no means go away a canine and cat alone collectively unattended. It is usually necessary to at all times use constructive reinforcement to reward good behaviour. For instance, give your canine companion a deal with at any time when they’re remaining calm across the cat, sitting when requested or not participating with the cat. This can encourage your canine’s respect in direction of their new furry member of the family.  

Learn extra about introducing canine and cats right here on our weblog. 

Work on canine cues 

You need to use treats for each your cat and canine to maintain them targeted on you rather than one another in these first few conferences. Follow primary verbal cues along with your canine akin to keep, come, and go away it. You may as well attempt clicker coaching as a method to create a constructive bridge between your canine and your cat. Many canine reply very effectively to clicker coaching when completed accurately.  

For those who discover your canine is simply too enthusiastic along with your new cat, think about talking with an skilled skilled constructive reinforcement-based canine coach or behaviourist. They might help you to strengthen your primary coaching and supply strategies to maintain each of your furry pals comfy round one another. 

Click on to be taught extra about selecting a canine coach. 

Within the neighbourhood 

Even when your canine is being respectful of cats in your family, at all times maintain your canine on a leash when exterior the house. This isn’t solely in case they see a group cat, however for the final security of your canine as effectively. Maintain your canine on a leash except in a protected and contained place. 

With correct coaching and methodical steps, many canine be taught respect and can grow to be good pals with their new furry member of the family! Extra coaching suggestions right here on ShelterHealthPro.com